50 & dense but BRCA negative

Hi kittygirl. The first thing I would ask is if you had BRCA testing with a Certified Genetics Counselor, or some other professional? A CGC should be able to give you a pretty good idea about your risk.

I was 52 when I found out that I am BRCA2+. I had prophylactic surgery. You are negative, but it seems a reasonable option since there is obviously something going on in your family. A CGC should give you a little more clarity, but ultimately, it is about what YOU decide.

I strongly recommend that you read Kathy Steligo's Breast Reconstruction Handbook before any consults. Generally, the Breast Surgeon and the Plastic surgeon are a team, so you get the best results. Ask for patients willing to speak with you about their procedures. If you decide on a breast surgeon, they will recommend a PS. If you know the procedure you want, and a PS who does it, s/he will recommend a BS they work with. But you need to feel comfortable with your team.

I also recommend that you try the website www.facingourrisk.org. Even tho you are not BRCA+, there is a family thing there, and many women on that site are in your same position. There is SO much educational and emotional support there. Depending on where you live, there may be some recommendations for Dr.s and/or support groups in your area.

 Best of luck, and feel free to send me a PM if you want to know more.

Hi kittygirl,

Sounds like you've gotten a lot of great advice.  I'm in sort of the same situation.  I am having problems.  Have already had a partial MX and a very strong family hx.  I can't afford BRA testing, and when i talked with genetic counselor i asked what would happen if it came back negative if i did have it.  She told me, that it probably would be considered an uninformative negative b/c of family hx.  Anyway, i'm have a BMX in January.  But that has been my own decision from day one and hasn't wavered, even though i've been open about researching other options.  Part of that of course is because my LB already looks awful, and my sisters took medication and both stopped b/c of side effects.  They have to have biopsies almost every year, and both said next time, they're just going to get MX's.

I think you have to be really really comfortable with your decision.  So good luck to you.  Whatever works for you works.

Marian

KittyGirl,

I can no longer pull sails on a sailboat (with strength), swim the breaststroke, or do push-ups. I even notice the pectoral weakness when scrubbing burnt stuff out of pans. Also, when I'm naked, there are certain body positions that cause my implants to scrunch and look flat, wrinkled, and unnatural (due to pectoral muscle contraction). I wished someone had warned me about that from the beginning, just so I could be prepared. However, IT IS SO GREAT not to have to worry about any remaining breast tissue as a potential playground for breast cancer. The benefit most certainly negates the drawbacks. My partner loves the way my implants look and feel. You can get a beautiful reconstruction. It is  very important to get an excellent plastic surgeon though!!!!!!!!!!! If you are considering this, make that your number one task/challenge.